When Typhoon Kristine struck Sorsogon on October 24, 2024, and Super Typhoon Pepito devastated Catanduanes on November 16, 2024, both provinces faced widespread destruction. In Sorsogon, 1,172 families across 213 barangays (villages) were severely impacted. Catanduanes experienced even greater damage, with 4,000 homes destroyed—500 of them completely damaged. This left families in urgent need of assistance, both in terms of material support and emotional recovery.
In response to these crises, ChildFund Philippines, in partnership with Educo Philippines, launched an emergency response program to aid those affected by the storms. From November 19 to December 12, the organizations worked together to provide immediate relief and long-term support to participants, focusing on three key areas: Multi-Purpose Cash Assistance, Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS), and essential food aid.
Multi-Purpose Cash Assistance
One of the first steps taken to assist participants was the distribution of Multi-Purpose Cash Assistance (MPCA). This intervention was vital as it gave participants the ability to use the funds for their most pressing needs. With their homes and livelihoods severely affected, many families were uncertain about how to manage immediate expenses. The cash assistance allowed participants to decide for themselves how best to spend the funds, whether for food, clothing, temporary shelter, or repairs to their homes.
Through a partnership with Canva Foundation, ChildFund Philippines successfully distributed cash assistance to 700 participants—640 from seven barangays in Caramoran, Catanduanes, and 60 from 16 barangays in Donsol, Sorsogon. This distribution was critical in offering some financial relief during the challenging aftermath of the typhoons and helped families regain stability as they began to rebuild their lives.
Mental Health and Psychosocial Support
In addition to material support, addressing the psychological impact of the disaster was crucial. The trauma from losing homes, belongings, and loved ones left many participants facing emotional and mental health challenges. To help them cope, ChildFund Philippines and Educo Philippines provided Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) to 2,170 individuals, including 803 children and 1,346 parents and caregivers. This intervention aimed to help participants process their grief, anxiety, and stress, offering them essential emotional support during a difficult time.
Additionally, 48 MHPSS community facilitators were trained to deliver these services, ensuring that emotional care was available not only immediately after the typhoons but throughout the recovery process. The MHPSS sessions helped participants develop coping skills, build resilience, and focus on long-term recovery, offering comfort and support to families facing overwhelming challenges.
Food Aid and Further Support
Recognizing that many families were struggling with hunger and basic survival, ChildFund Philippines worked with Crisis Relief Wesley (CRW), the humanitarian arm of Wesley Methodist Church and Convoy of Hope to provide additional assistance.
CRW distributed food items to 700 families in four barangays in Caramoran, Catanduanes. This intervention was crucial as it ensured families had access to food at a time when their resources were depleted. Convoy of Hope provided 2,000 ready-to-eat hot meals, helping to address the immediate hunger faced by families.
In addition to food assistance, MHPSS sessions were conducted with the 700 families, ensuring that both their physical and emotional needs were addressed. These interventions provided families with both tangible and emotional support, allowing them to begin the long road to recovery.
A Holistic Approach to Recovery
The combined efforts of ChildFund Philippines, Educo Philippines, Canva Foundation, Crisis Relief Wesley, and Convoy of Hope have had a significant impact on the affected communities in Sorsogon and Catanduanes. By working together, these organizations were able to address both the immediate material needs and the emotional well-being of participants, offering a comprehensive approach to disaster relief.
This response underscores the importance of providing holistic support that combines financial assistance, mental health services, and basic needs. For the families in Sorsogon and Catanduanes, these interventions laid the foundation for rebuilding their lives and offered hope for the future.
